Akron Children’s Hospital’s William H. Considine honored at gala for 40 years of leadership

10-14-2019 (Akron, Ohio )

More than 800 guests marked Akron Children’s Hospital’s CEO Emeritus William H. Considine’s 40 years of leadership at a celebration in his honor Oct. 12 at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.

During the event, Considine announced a $1 million gift for the hospital’s Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute from Considine and his wife, Becky. The gift will go toward establishing an endowed chair. The Considines donated $1 million to create the Institute upon Considine's 30^th anniversary.

In addition, Akron Children’s Hospital Board of Directors chairman John Orr announced that $13.1 million was raised for the hospital in Considine’s honor over the past year.

“We’re very grateful to all the benefactors who have stepped forward to support the hospital’s important work,” Orr said. “These funds will be used to benefit many worthwhile programs at Akron Children’s, including Bill’s work at the Center for Child Advocacy, where he continues to speak up for children.”

Considine’s dedication was highlighted in a video that featured remarks and congratulations from leaders such as Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. Orr also praised Considine and his leadership style.

“In looking back over his years of service at Akron Children’s, it’s hard to believe the transformation that has taken place since he came on board as CEO in 1979,” Orr said. “Akron Children’s has truly developed into a comprehensive, pediatric health care delivery system with a commanding regional presence and well-deserved reputation for world-class care. All of this was achieved through his ability to see something that needed to be done and his determination to find a way to do it.”

Akron Children’s President and CEO Grace Wakulchik also commended Considine for his service.

“Bill has always understood the importance of our meaningful work and the healing bond our providers have with our patients and families,” Wakulchik said. “He has made an indelible impression on our hospital and community.”

Considine was moved by the tribute during the event, which included his children, their spouses and his grandchildren in the audience.

“I am overwhelmed by this outpouring of support for a job that has brought so much meaning and joy into my life,” he said. “It has been a blessing to be a part of the Akron Children’s Hospital family for 40 years.”

Considine was named CEO emeritus last year and since then has been working at the local, state and national levels to advocate for advancing the conversation on children’s health care. He is author of the quarterly “Considine Report” about child advocacy topics and also hosted a child advocacy summit in Akron in June that was attended by more than 200 people.

During his tenure as president and CEO, the hospital grew into one of the nation’s premier independent, integrated pediatric healthcare delivery systems. Akron Children’s today is a $1.7 billion enterprise with more than 6,000 employees. Its clinical staff provides care at more than 1 million patient encounters annually through two hospital campuses and a network of more than 50 primary care, urgent care and specialty care locations.

The gala also included a performance by musical act The Spinners and Dance Unlimited, a dance troupe made up of Akron Children’s patients.

Presenting sponsors were RDA Management, Paul Thomarios/THOMARIOS and the Women’s Board of Akron Children’s Hospital.